Achieving the Dream Reform Network Continues to Grow with Addition of Jackson State Community College

Jun 23rd, 2015

Jackson State Community College is one of 16 community and technical colleges selected, this year, into the Achieving the Dream National Reform Network. Faculty, staff, and administrators from JSCC will participate in the 2015 Achieving the Dream Kickoff Institute in Cincinnati, Ohio.

"We realize that we are the only hope for many students in West Tennessee, especially first-generation, low-income, and non-traditional students who find their way to our door," states Dr. Bruce Blanding, JSCC president. "It is our responsibility and moral obligation to help them navigate the maze that college life can present to them by removing barriers and making that maze a straight line. We enter our Achieving the Dream partnership with enthusiasm and optimism. Working together, we hope to develop a culture in which student learning and success is the number one priority."

"We are delighted to welcome Jackson State Community College into the Achieving the Dream National Reform Network and congratulate them for taking this next step in operationalizing their commitment to improving student outcomes," said Achieving the Dream Vice President for Community College Relations Cindy Lenhart.

At the 2015 Kickoff Institute June 23 - June 25, Jackson State Community College will work in teams with coaches to increase its data analytic capacity to inform decision-making; understand how guided pathways can improve the student experience; identify opportunities to improve teaching and learning; and understand equity challenges on campus.

JSCC is joining a network of over 200 colleges that are working to preserve access and assure that their students, especially low-income students and students of color, achieve their goals for academic success, personal growth, and economic opportunity.

"To become an Achieving the Dream College, applicants must demonstrate an institution-wide commitment to spend at least three years working with Achieving the Dream experts to implement reforms designed to improve student success and completion rates on their campuses. Such a huge commitment to fundamentally rethink educational and student support is unusual and should be applauded because their work will result in a much larger, better educated, and productive workforce," said Achieving the Dream President and CEO William E. Trueheart.

Introducing the 2015 Cohort Colleges: